PERSONAL NOTES OF A GAIJIN (FOREIGNER) IN JAPAN

We live by impressions and judgments, which may
either, be informed or not. Any
destination, no matter how grand and beautifully landscaped is still rated by
the people and the tradition that goes with it.

The discipline and kindness of the Japanese people
is a given fact. But understanding the culture that accompanies it makes an
outsider (foreign visitors) blend with the way things are in Japan and
consequently enjoy the transient sojourn.

Bowing is a term of respect,
remorse, gratitude or greeting.

This is the traditional way of showing respect. I’ve learned from my sensei (teacher) in Nihonggo that there are interpretations to the
degree of bowing. Though shaking hands
is widely accepted now in Japan, one must learn that a 15-degree bow is used
for greetings when meeting people for the first time. A 45-degree or 30-degree bow will convey a
different meaning; the former for sincere apology or show highest respect and
the latter for respect to superiors. But
this will be not of great use when visiting as a tourist.

When entering restaurants or shops, you will
oftentimes hear the staff’s greetings irrashaimase
(welcome) and will bow to you. But
visitors are not expected to return it with a bow, a simple head-nod will do as
a sign of acknowledgement.

It is customary in Japan to
take off footwear when entering a traditional ryokan (guesthouse), a home and
temple.

It is said that traditionally, Japanese took off
their shoes when entering homes as people would sleep, sit and eat on tatami-mat floors and footwear worn
outside would spread dirt. Today, taking off of footwear becomes a sign of
respect.

There are etiquettes in
eating.

There are instances where I am caught unaware that
my actions are quite offensive to traditional Japanese people. Filipino culture is indeed a 360-degree
different from them. It is not a common
practice to eat and walk in public places.
We may sit down in a public place and eat or stand at restaurant but
walking and eating is not polite.

There are times when the seemingly innocent action
may likewise be offensive to restaurant owners like the dipping of rice in soy
sauce.

Using of chopsticks has certain rules as well that
when used the wrong way may be quite offensive.
The basic one that I have learned is that, do not stick the chopstick
into your bowl of rice as this has relevance to a funeral ceremony.

“Itadakimasu” (I humbly receive), words
uttered before eating a meal.

There is no tipping in
Japanese restaurants.

If you are used to giving tips, then refrain from
doing so in Japan. Japanese people take
pride in their job and accepting tips might be offensive for some.

There are a few trashcans in
the area.

One thing I have noticed while roaming around the
streets of Japan is the fact that there are only a few trash cans. Thus, you might end up bringing your trash
wherever you go until you find its disposal area. The cleanliness of the streets is just
overwhelming, truly, disciplined people.

The vending machines are just
everywhere.

Whatever you want, the vending machines have. The comfort of not looking for convenience
stores is made possible for visitors and even locals of Japan. The vending machines sell a wide variety of
goods, from obvious items such as drinks, including beer and alcoholic
beverages, cigarettes and food, toys, card games, books and even
umbrellas. In relation to prices, there
were times that we noted some vending machines are priced low than in
supermarkets and convenience stores.

Japanese people love to drink.

This is the best part of living in Japan. No explanations needed.

And the obvious scenes are
the hardworking Japanese people not to mention the colorful fashion sense that
comes with their everyday lives.

My notes may not be comprehensive but apparently,
these are some observations made on how to live in a first world country with
an interesting culture and the kindest people I have known.

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About The Author

I am a CPA-lawyer by profession and a full-time wanderer. My tsinelas (slippers) have been my constant companion in my quest to discover the world we live in. No matter which part of the world I am, though oftentimes mistaken of a different nationality, I am always proud to wear my slippers, a mark of a Filipino wanderer.